NW Ohio CU Chapter have "heart' for homeless

<p>TOLEDO, Ohio – It wasn’t the typical gift of flowers or candy but a recent credit union campaign raised a lot of warm feelings. This past Valentine’s Day, the Northwest Ohio Chapter of the Ohio Credit Union League donated more than $4,000 to Family House, the largest homeless shelter in the state. “Credit unions are about people helping people,” said Steve Grindle, Northwest Ohio Chapter president. “This is our members’ way of giving to the community. We couldn’t think of a better time than on Valentine’s Day to show our support.” Credit union members donated funds during a “Hearts for Homeless” blitz campaign. Major increasing in operating costs coupled with shortages in funding have severely affected the homeless shelter. Annually Family House provides shelter, food and other services for more than 800 people of which over 500 are children. Of the many credit unions that participated, Mutual Federal CU and Toledo Urban FCU topped the charts in generosity. MFCU CEO Len Topolski credited all of his employees but singled out the efforts of Anna Martinez and Martha Sheely, who really got behind the idea and helped raise $825. Toledo Urban FCU, which is located not too far from the shelter, also harnessed an outpouring of member support collecting some $534.</p>